Wet specimen & mummy care

After Care for Wet Specimens

  • All of my wet specimens are fixed in formalin or ethanol by me
  • Everything is leeched in distilled water and then stored in 70% isopropyl alcohol. I do extended leeching periods in isopropyl to insure there is no residual formalin. 
  • Upon arrival your wet will be wrapped in paper towel soaked in 70% iso, if a jar is provided just top it off with more 70% iso or find a suitable jar and top it off that way. 
  • After about a year the alcohol is expected to yellow, this is normal, the alcohol can be changed and dumped down the sink/in the toilet. The specimen can even be rinsed and washed if you see fit.
  • Keep wet specimens out of the sun and away from heaters as isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Absolutely keep globes out of sunlight. 
  • Keep wet specimens away and out of reach of children and pets
  • Wet dog smell? Some furred mammals and the jars they reside in can harbor dead bacteria. Once this bacteria gets wet they release a "wet dog" smell (the exact reason dogs smell that way when they're wet). This happens mainly after travel or fluid changes. This smell WILL go away within 24 hours. Any other issues please reach out. 

    After Care for Mummies

    • Mummies are wet specimens that have all the moisture drawn out
    • If the specimen is very small it may not be formalin fixed and preserved and dried a different way. This applies to rabbit feet. If you're curious how I made your mummy just reach out. 
    • Mummies are very picky, they do not like sunlight, heat, humidity, etc. They are kind of like jerky. All mummies are suspectable to bugs, shedding and mildew & moisture in uncontrolled environments. 
    • I try to make all my mummies encased to protect it from the elements, but sometimes it doesn't work. 
    • I recommend that mummies are displayed in a curio case, cloche, other glass case, frame, etc. anything air tight. 
    • Mummies should be frozen at least twice a year, either for one week on one week off then one week on again or for 2 weeks total, this should be done around warmer and more humid months (ex. beginning and end of summer, middle of spring and middle of fall, etc.)
    •  Diatomaceous earth, borax and pet and plant safe bug spray are okay to use on mummies. I add a layer of borax to all of my finished mummies.
    • Keep mummies AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS

       

      If you have any further questions feel free to reach out through email or message me on my socials